The Kenya Universities and Colleges Central Placement Service (KUCCPS) has officially launched the application portal for the 2026 placement cycle. The exercise targets the 2025 Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) candidates and previous Form Four leavers seeking to join higher learning institutions.
The online application window opened on April 7, 2026, and is scheduled to close on May 6, 2026. This cycle is critical for nearly one million students who sat for their national examinations last year, as it determines their transition into professional and technical training.
Placement Statistics and Eligibility
KUCCPS data reveal that of the 980,444 candidates who sat the 2025 KCSE, 268,700 attained the minimum university entry grade of C+. These students are eligible for degree programmes across 43 public and 31 private universities.
The remaining 711,744 candidates, who scored between C (plain) and E, are eligible for placement in the country’s expanding network of public colleges and Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) institutions.
“As required by the Universities Act, 2012, placement of students into the institutions will be on merit, considering applicants’ listed priorities, KCSE performance, and available capacities,” KUCCPS stated.
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Available Capacities for 2026
The Commission for University Education (CUE) and the Technical and Vocational Education and Training Authority (TVETA) have verified a significant number of available slots to accommodate the growing student population:
- University Degree Places: 322,396
- TVET/Middle-Level Colleges (Diploma, Certificate, Artisan): 1,132,531
- Secondary Teacher Training Colleges: 2,480
Reporting Timelines
The reporting dates vary depending on the type of institution:
- Degree Students: Expected to join their respective universities in September 2026.
- TVET Applicants: Reporting can begin as early as May 2026, as TVET placement operates on a continuous basis.
- Open University of Kenya: Available for students with a C+ and above who prefer flexible, open-learning degree programmes.
Support for Applicants
To ensure a seamless application process, KUCCPS has deployed officers to various universities and TVET institutions nationwide to provide technical assistance. Applicants can also visit any Huduma Centre across the 47 counties for guidance.
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Regarding medical training, KUCCPS confirmed that the placement for the March 2026 Kenya Medical Training College (KMTC) intake is complete. Prospective students interested in the September 2026 KMTC intake will be allowed to apply online once the general university placements are finalized.
